Leroux/Benjamin Volnay 1er cru Clos de la Cave des Ducs 2023

94 points Christy Canterbury, MW (TimAtkin.com): "A bit brooding and reduced, this was to be racked to tank later in the week that I tasted it. Ben plans to bottle it a bit earlier than usual this year. Everything about this wine is intense—each element of the structure seems to be bolded, italicized and underscored. That said, it all works together remarkably well, even if—for me—the palate feel and organization overtook the aromas at the moment. But, there is extra-dimensional depth of expression on the palate, too. Black plums, warm tobacco, turned earth, savory spice and warm figs give exceptional complexity. (2025)"

94 points CellarTracker.com community score.

91-93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2023 Volnay Clos de la Cave des Ducs 1er Cru contains around 10% whole bunch. This articulates more terroir and Pinot expression than to the slightly ripe Mitans. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit, fine tannins, crisp acidity and a hint of orange rind on the finish. This is promising. Drink: 2027-2045. (Jan 2025)"

90-92 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Fresh mid purple. A little bit of a reductive gaminess, which blows off, though leaving a bit of reductive tension behind, alongside a fine boned but persistent raspberry fruit. Awkward at this stage but should grow from here. (Oct 2024)"